Tip #104: Circles -- How to Make Them

A new feature on my website is Circles. The technique has been around for a long time, but I had not played with it until just recently. Here's a quick sample.



Here's how I make them:

1. I shoot ordinary subjects and look for colors that might work.
2. I load the image into software that has Polar Coordinate filters, e.g. GIMP.
3. I create a square crop.
4. I convert the square crop to a circle with the Polar Coordinate filter.
5. I apply the Whirl and Pinch filter or use iWarp or Liquify.

There you go. Let your eyes be the guide for the amount of pinch and whirl that you apply.

The example, above, was orginally a simple shot of small colored tiles with white grout.



[Back to the Main Site]

Tip #24: Printing Photos

With the ease of posting images on the Internet, why in world would anyone print a photo? Why would you not print your art to be enjoyed by someone other than your virtual friends?

Where can you get you photos printed? Home printers can produce a small run of images in limited sizes of prints. Large format printers grow expensive and are usually not found in homes. Your camera specialty store will often have the capabilities to print many sizes of photos. Then, there are labs that do custom printing on most any size and quality of paper or other media.

Two popular labs, used by photography pros are Mpix and Bay Photo. I have accounts with both labs. They do quality work and can usually create the final product in a matter of days. Their input systems are color calibrated to the printers and inks that are used to create everything from wallet-sized proofs to wall-hangings to prints on special media, such as coffee mugs, fabrics, and metal.

Don't let all you images drown in a sea of Internet postings. Venture out and get some printed. The results will be admired for years, when they hang on your wall instead of being posted there.

This image, named Mist, hangs in my living room, it is framed in wood and measures 24x36 inches.





[Back to the Main Site]

Bonus Tip: It's the Art that Counts

Last summer, I received a request, asking permission from an artist to use one of my photos for a painting that she was doing. I gave permission, and, yesterday, I received this email update:

Hi David!

I'm long over due to provide you status on the bluebonnet painting. The last day of painting class was this past Wednesday. Although the painting is not finished, I'm well on my way with some 36 hours of effort. I plan to complete the project in time for Michael’s arrival on 12/17, and will present to him for Christmas.

While in painting class I have received many complements on my work; even from visiting professional artists. I know most of the credit goes to you for the great composition. Once Michael knows the whole story of how your work inspired me to paint this gift, I hope you two meet and view the painting in person. Please understand I have become one with the painting and no longer concern myself with an exact duplication of your original yet wonderful photograph but must tell you I’m so enjoying the process.

I was in Austin for Thanksgiving and hoped to meet you in person but noticed your calendar showed you as out of office. If you’re ever in St. Louis on business please contact me. Once I complete the Bluebonnets near Round Rock painting, I will send you a photo.

BTW, Michael is the painter's son, who is a soldier, returning home from a combat deployment.

I am touched, honored, and Awestruck!

The results are in. Take a look at Tip #95.


[Back to the Main Site]

Tip #11: Share It

Share your work. There are many ways to share the art that you have so carefully crafted. You can use Facebook, create a blog, build a web site, use a photo sharing site like flickr or picasa or one of many others. Most home printers do a pretty good job in their photo mode, when you use photo paper.  Let folks see your photography. They will enjoy it, so will you.


[Back to the Main Site]